Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. The U.S. WWII M-1 helmet was only produced from 1941 to 1945. The first production batch resulted with over 323,510 M-1 helmets before the start of the American involvement in the war. This helmet is stamped 554A which indicates the approximate manufacture date of June-July 1943.
The Ordnance Department selected McCord Radiator and Manufacturing Company of Detroit Michigan to produce the steel M1 helmet bodies. These bodies were made from a single piece of Hadfield Manganese steel that was produced by the Carnegie-Illinois & Sharon Steel Corporations. Each completed raw M-1 helmet shell weighed 2.25 lbs each.
The later M-1 helmet shells had a set of swivel (movable) chinstrap loops called bales and a stainless steel rim. These rims were both rust resistant and had "non-magnetic qualities" that reduced the chance of error readings when placed around certain sensitive equipment (such as a compass). This helmet is a fine example and still retains all of its original WW2 parts and the shell has all original "corked" grain paint. The chinstrap of this example is heavily worn but still intact, with verdigris on the fittings.
The liner is the correct high pressure WWII issue and stamped with the Firestone Manufacturing Company F logo stamped in the crown. The liner is fitted with a frontal eyelet, and features OD#3 (aka Khaki) web HBT suspension fitted by blacked A-Washers. The liner comes complete with WWII correct sweatband and nape strap, although the leather of the sweatband is heavily cracked with lots of material loss. The suspension is also heavily worn with material loss. The liner chinstrap is gone and the initials R.F.R. are scratched on the interior crown in several places. The top of the helmet is stenciled with the name R.F. RICKER in the Marine Corps style. After some research we believe this to have belonged to Staff Sergeant Roy F. Ricker, who served in the Service Company at Pearl Harbor from 1943-1945, not having gone overseas.
These helmets have become increasingly difficult to find in recent years, especially genuine WW2 issue liners with the correct HBT straps and buckles. Almost certainly to appreciate in value year after year! A Great named USMC example.
- This product is available for international shipping.
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